Technology-Related Playful Activity and Thought and Moral Development

• In Event: Roundtable Session 80
  In Roundtable Session: Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning SIG Roundtable 3: Issues in Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning

Abstract

Many developmental theorists have suggested that playful activity and thought had the power to influence moral emotions, moral behaviors, and moral reasoning. However, there have been many changes in the culture of childhood and adolescence in recent years and these changes have affected both the types of play available and the amount of time spent in play. This paper describes changes in play and focuses on technology as a key variable that may be differentially affecting both the play and the moral development of not only children but also of adolescents and adults. Data describing the relationship between technology-related play and moral development are presented. Significant findings highlighting differences across types of technology, age ranges, and gender are discussed.

Authors

• Darrel Davis, Miami University

• Doris Bergen, Miami University